“I am currently a Talent Manager but have been offered a Talent Coordinator role elsewhere – at a bigger, more established agency. Will this look like a step down?“
Job titles and seniority levels can vary significantly from agency to agency. Some businesses have Junior Talent Manager or Assistant Talent Manager positions, while others progress from Talent Assistant to Coordinator before reaching Talent Manager. At some agencies, employees move straight into a Coordinator-level role. There is no universal structure across the UK talent management industry, so the same title can represent very different levels of experience and responsibility.
Before viewing the opportunity as a step backwards, focus on what you’ll actually be doing. Your exposure to brand deals and contracts, whether you will scout & sign creators yourself, the level of talent you will be working with, and the amount of commercial responsibility you hold can all influence where you sit within an agency’s structure.
Some larger agencies may also expect their senior hires to have line-management experience or knowledge of areas beyond digital brand partnerships, such as broadcast, podcasts, intellectual property and literary opportunities. Others may prioritise experience building a roster from scratch, generating new business or bringing established talent relationships with you.
It’s also worth considering the structure and reputation of the agency you’re joining. Moving from a smaller business into a larger agency may mean accepting a different title initially, but it could give you access to bigger clients, higher profile talent, stronger internal support & mentorship. Equally, joining a smaller or growing agency could offer greater autonomy and a quicker route to progression.
Ask how success will be measured, what you would need to demonstrate to reach the next level.
Candidates understandably become attached to titles they’ve worked hard to achieve. However, accepting what appears to be a lower title on paper can sometimes provide better experience, greater exposure and stronger long-term opportunities. Future employers are likely to look at what you achieved and delivered in the role – not simply the title you held.
Hope this helps x
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